Page 35 of The C Agreement

Delaney’s jaw was practically on the table. “I—I’m speechless. I have no words.”

Vivian chuckled.

“Actually, I have so many questions; I don’t know where to start.” Delaney leaned forward, looking concerned. “I can’t believe you go along with it. He doesn’t really punish you, does he?”

Vivian’s eyebrows rose. “You mean, are we into BDSM? Or do you mean, is he controlling? Either way, the answer is no. I’m going along with it because I did lie to him and because it makes him happy.” She smiled. “Also because it’s hot and I love it when he touches me.” She shook her head in disbelief. “I have never been boy crazy in my life—not even as a teenager—but that man does something to me.”

“I’m jealous,” I admitted. “I’ve never had that kind of relationship.” The closest I’d ever come to it was Cade, and that wasn’t a relationship. “I really need to put myself out there more.”

“Don’t be too jealous,” Vivian said. “It’s not that warm outside yet.”

“Dominick doesn’t care that you’re cold?” Delaney looked worried again.

“He would if I said something, but I have less than a week left. And I’m kind of going to miss it.” She smiled, her eyes unfocused. “When I get home from work, he just bends me over and…” Straightening in her seat, she cleared her throat. “You get the idea.”

“Yeah, that didn’t make me less jealous at all,” I said sarcastically.

Delaney gave me a sad look. “You’ll find someone.”

I thought about all the guys I’d dated. “I don’t know about that.”

“Vivian?” A man was walking by our table but stopped in his tracks when he noticed her.

“Hugh.” She grinned, scooted out of the booth, and gave the guy a hug.

“This is the kind of guy I pictured Vivian with,” Delaney whispered in my ear.

She wasn’t wrong. The guy was in a suit, had his hair styled with a professional cut, and had a clean-shaven face.

Vivian stepped back. “Delaney, Rayne, this is my cousin, Hugh.”

Ahh. It made sense now.

“Hugh, these are my friends.”

Vivian’s cousin reached over and shook Delaney’s hand and then mine. He smiled at me.

“It’s very nice to meet you,” he said to the both of us.

“You too,” I said as he pulled his hand away.

“We’ve never met any of Vivian’s family before,” Delaney said.

Hugh laughed. “This one is always busy.” He pointed a thumb at Vivian, who rolled her eyes. He turned to her. “My mom told me you have a boyfriend and he moved in with you?”

Vivian nodded.

“She keeps the family in the dark too,” he told Delaney.

“I’m a busy woman,” Vivian protested.

“I get it. I am too.” Hugh smiled. “Busy, that is. We should get together and catch up sometime.”

Vivian smiled. “We should. We can double date.”

Hugh shook his head. “I’m single now.”

Vivian pursed her lips. “And you’re giving me crap about not telling anyone anything. Jerk.”

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